Welcome Home
Welcome Home is a simple phrase but it may have many different meanings for veterans. For some it means where the heart is or a place to relax, but for others it means entering into a different type of conflict. Some of those conflicts mean bobby traps that our minds play; the IEDs (Inability to Explain Difficulties); the flashbacks; nightmares; drinking to numb the pain; the fear of the night and the prayer that the Lord would let us not wake up; and the list grows.
Lutheran Military Veterans and Family Ministries (LMVFM) serves as your military veterans and families outreach ministry. We provide veterans and family members, as well as those civilians who have worked alongside our military members in combat zones with free direct care programs such short-term counseling and assistance. Additionally, LMVFM provides training and awareness programs and resource assistance to congregations, clergy, Stephens Ministry and common care providers to assist you in the training of your congregation to help veterans and their families. As a Christian ministry, having a Lutheran understanding of God and His promise for mankind, LMVFM therefore draws its strength from God, and follows the example of mercy and forgiveness in the programs and services we provide. All veterans and their family members, regardless of their religious beliefs, are welcomed by LMVFM.
Army Releases 2012 Suicide Information
The Army has released suicide data for the month of December and calendar year 2012. (Read full news release here.)
Active Duty, including Guard and Reserve on Active Duty:
- During December, among active-duty soldiers, there were seven potential suicides.
- For November, the Army reported 12 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers.
- For 2012, there have been 182 potential active-duty suicides.
- Active-duty suicide number for 2011: 165.
Guard/Reserve
- During December, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 15 potential suicides (10 Army National Guard and five Army Reserve)
- For November, among that same group, the Army reported 15 potential suicides (12 Army National Guard and three Army Reserve)
- For 2012, there have been 143 potential not on active-duty suicides (96 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve)
- Not on active-duty suicide numbers for 2011: 118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve)
Total 2012 Army Component Suicides: 325
Total 2011 Army Component Suicides: 283
*There are no accurate suicides figures among veterans who served since 9/11, who were no longer in the Guard or Reserves.
**The VA estimate of between 18 and 22 veteran suicides does not include suicides among veterans qualified to receive VA care but not enrolled, or veterans who served but once discharged were not qualified to receive VA care.
Become a Partner
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing financial support of our partner congregations and organizations. With their generous support, and the support of many other individuals and institutions, we are able to provide services free of charge to all military veterans and their family members.
Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry. To become a partner, simply print the membership application and mail it to
Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries, Inc.
1615 Vance Ave, Suite 3
Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
You may also make a donation anytime via Paypal.
Latest News
Recent Events
Tennis Tourney
The LVMFM Tennis Tourney at Wildwood Raquet Club was a great success, raising $4,258. Read more...
Upcoming Events
Seminar with Dr. Paula Caplan
Dr. Paula Caplan author of book "When Johnny and Jane come Marching Home," will present two seminars on March 15-16, 2013. Download the flyer for more details.
Women Warriors Wellness Retreat
Women Warriors Wellness Retreat, March 13-15, at the Victory Noll Retreat Center in Huntington, Indiana.
Freedom Through Art
The "Freedom Through Art" program invites veterans and their families to come and relax with each other as they work on any number of artistic projects. The group meets every Tuesday from 6-8 PM. All supplies and materials are provided free to veterans and their families. See the FTA flyer for more information.